Evaline:
The mountain air was crisp, the scent of pine mingling faintly with herbs as Elder Ren led me toward the handful of villagers who stood waiting - men and women dressed in simple clothes, their faces weathered but kind. Some were holding small baskets as offerings, others had children beside them.
"This young lady," Elder Ren said, his tone full of pride as he motioned toward me, "is my apprentice for the day."
Apprentice? My heart jumped in my chest.
He winked at me before turning to the crowd. "She's a young healer, trying to learn the ways of healing, so I'll ask for your patience. She's got a kind heart, and that's the most important thing for a healer."
The villagers murmured among themselves, curious eyes turning toward me. I forced a small smile, trying to ignore the heat crawling up my neck.
Apprentice for the day, I repeated silently, pretending that the title didn't make my stomach twist with nerves.
